East Bay Gas Line, Danville, CA - Going Natural Gas

Over the last few years more and more outdoor appliances have shown up that are gas powered. Patio heaters, gas fireplaces, and of course gas cooking equipment. Also grills have gotten larger and larger and much more powerful. This means that you could be burning through propane tank after tank if you spend a lot of time in on the porch. So what are you going to do? Make regular trips to refill or exchange your empty propane tank? Why not go natural gas.

Natural gas has many benefits. First of all, depending on where you live it can be much cheaper, as much as a third the price of propane for each BTU. Since natural gas has half the power of propane it can actually cost a sixth as much or less than propane per volume, but since you use twice as much it's still a third the price. Also, natural gas burns much cleaner than propane. So natural gas is better for the environment and you don't get as much exhaust from the burning propane which can end up on your food and float around your party. Lastly, natural gas, connected to your house won't run out until the gas company does in 30 to 40 years. No more tanks to refill, no more worrying about running out in the middle of a big cook out and no more carrying those heavy tanks.

Most all gas fired outdoor appliances whether they are grills, smoker, patio heaters, or fire pits come in a natural gas version. For many of these the difference is just a few parts. As I said, natural gas has about half the BTUs (amount of heat generated) as propane. Simply plugging in a natural gas line to your propane grill won't work, even if you could get the connector. If you are in the market for a new grill, think about natural gas before you buy. Most stores will have them available or they can order one for you. If you already have a propane burning gas grill contact the manufacturer about getting a conversion kit. For many gas grill models you can make the conversion in a few minutes with little more than a wrench.

Now all you need is a gas line to a convenient location. There are two things in my house that scare me, electricity and gas. I don't mess with either one because I know both of them can kill me quickly and easily. Running a gas line to you backyard porch or patio isn't something you should do yourself, unless you are a certified contractor. Contact you gas company. They will have a list of certified contractors who can do the job for you. Get a couple of bids. The whole process is pretty easy and shouldn't take more than an hour or two.

On the subject, have your installer put in a quick connect gas line so you can plug in your gas appliance easily. One product I really like is Maxitrol's Plug 1 gas connector. This connector is the size of a regular electrical outlet box and works pretty much the same way. It has a drop down cover for the gas line so nothing can crawl in and nest. It also has a on/off switch so you can turn off the flow of gas some place other than the gas appliance. If you had an uncontrollable grill fire you could turn off the gas from a distance without having to get too close to the grill. It also turns itself off if the flow of gas becomes uncontrollable, like if the gas line to the grill got cut. It&'s a convenient unit and adds a lot of safety to your outdoor gas appliances. Tell your contractor that this is what you want and he'll think you know more than you do and won't try and jack up the installation price.

So, whether you are in the market for a new gas grill or what to get away from those trips to find propane, think about natural gas. Hey, it's even good for the environment. You'll find it really makes outdoor cooking and relaxing much easier.

By Derrick Riches,  source: About.com Guide

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East Bay Gas Lines Danville, CA - Tips on Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Tips on Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

by James Mahoney It used to be that outdoor entertaining conjured up the familiar image of the picnic lunch at the park. You only needed a picnic basket, thermos, paper plates and plastic utensils. Or if you wanted to be able to host an outdoor luncheon or dinner you would toss some items on a barbecue pit out in the backyard and flip burgers and hotdogs. Cooking on a grill is a great way to entertain outdoors. However it is a nuisance to have to go back and forth from the kitchen to the patio. That is way outdoor kitchens have become more and more popular. Preparing and enjoying meals outdoors along with casual entertaining has in recent years really taken off as homeowners have come to see just how appealing these alfresco preparation areas can be. Having originated in the southwest, outdoor kitchens are now to be found all over the country. So just what kinds of foods can be cooked outdoors? Actually any type of food that can be prepared in an indoor kitchen can be prepared in an outdoor kitchen. Today's outdoor kitchen designs can include such items as: sinks, cabinets, and cutting boards. They can be fully featured areas, which offering a covered bar and buffet area. In planning your outdoor kitchen you will need to consider how much you will use your outdoor kitchen and whether it will be just a small part of your deck or patio or a fully functional outdoor kitchen. Today, however outdoor kitchens have made entertaining more convenient as well as luxurious. Now you can have all the accoutrements of any indoor kitchen all year around no matter what part of the country you live in. The latest products on the market include luxury grills equipped with all the capabilities of stovetop cooking. Outdoor kitchen setups include kitchen islands, sinks, refrigerators, wet bars and dishwashers. Outdoor Kitchen Design Factors An outdoor kitchen design can include different components and styles and there are many factors in deciding on the right outdoor kitchen design. One of the factors is just how much space you have to work with. Will it just include a small grill island or will your outdoor kitchen be as big as your indoor kitchen? Will it be the place where you and your family will spend a considerable amount of time? It is important that for an outdoor kitchen to work you must be able to provide adequate seating and dining areas. If you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen when the weather turns cooler it is a good idea to also have an outdoor fireplace to keep everyone warm and toasty. Custom or Prefab Grilling Islands Next, you will need to determine whether you will want your grill to be freestanding or built into an outdoor grilling island. Custom grilling islands can help provide your outdoor kitchen with a more upscale look. Just like an indoor kitchen island, the outdoor grilling island includes masonry with cabinets. Many experts agree that custom masonry grilling islands can add tremendous value to your home. You can also go with a prefab grilling island. These prefab islands come in a variety of configurations and exterior finishes. They cost less than more custom islands. Building Materials For Your Outdoor Kitchen You should select sturdy and durable materials that can stand up to climate changes. Many building experts agree that Polymer is the perfect material for the construction of outdoor kitchens. It can withstand outside elements and unlike wood, concrete or stucco it does not absorb moisture. Polymer is a solid material not a laminate or layered material and it will not warp, crack, or split. Countertops can be made from ceramic tile, granite, marble, slate and other natural stones. Outdoor Lighting Another area just as important is designing your outdoor kitchen is outdoor lighting. This can change and improve the overall feel of your outdoor kitchen. There are many types of lighting to choose from including: ambiance lighting that can include soft white lights or colored bulbs. Solar lights can be charged during the day and turn on automatically as it gets dark. source: www.backyardamerica.com